22 February 2010

A successful investment with potential to enrich our future

Normally when BJM Private Clients reports on successful performance we are talking about the returns achieved by our investment portfolios, funds, asset class or BJM products. We are also keenly interested in the performance of the BJM Charitable Foundation and the projects it earmarks for support. Returns here are not financial, but are even more crucial to the ongoing development of our country and its people.

The BJM Charitable Foundation was recently formed to create an efficient, well-monitored and managed vehicle for charitable giving with its primary focus on education. It attracts donations from the BJM Group, its staff and its clients. In addition, BJM people take great pride in the foundation’s work.

Foundation trustees identify appropriate projects and monitor the outcomes achieved by our project partners.

A key intervention involves the early learning programme at two pre-schools in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands run by the iThemba Foundation. All programme funding comes from the BJM Charitable Foundation.

Joao Matias and trustee Tony Barrett, from our Durban office, recently visited the pre-schools, St Raphael’s and Sbukosezwe in the Sweetwaters settlement outside Hilton.

After the visit, Tony reported: “We were extremely touched by the plight of these children, most of whom have been orphaned by AIDS and are cared for by older siblings.

“They were literally crying out for love and affection while their teachers were extremely grateful for our support.”

Stu Walker, coordinator of the iThemba foundation, briefed the visitors on independent studies showing that children that went through the early learning programme were streets ahead of those that did not.

The youngsters were so well prepared for mainstream schooling they compared favourably with children that came through the established pre-school system.

Tony added: “Without our educational funding and support these children would arrive at Grade One with no grounding and base, and would face an uphill struggle from day one.

“The BJM Charitable Foundation is making a real difference in the lives of these young children.

“On behalf of my fellow trustees, I thank the BJM Group for its support and commitment and encourage BJM employees and clients to join with us in this effort to educate the future generation of our country. Your contributions fill a big need and are always welcome.”